OWENSBORO, Ky. (5/9/13) – This month, Owensboro High School will be recognized for maintaining 100 years of continuous accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI).

To celebrate that accomplishment, OHS will be presented a certificate and banner by Sally Suggs, a SACS CASI representative, at the May Board meeting at the Owensboro Board of Education, 450 Griffith Ave, at 4:30 p.m. on May 23.

One of the oldest high schools in the state, Owensboro High School was established in 1871 and served eighth and ninth grades. By 1894, the twelfth grade had been added. In the early 1900’s, Owensboro High School was considered accredited by several large universities. In February 1913, the Owensboro Board of Education voted to pursue accreditation for Owensboro High School through the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools. They have continued to receive accreditation for 100 years and are being honored for that achievement. OHS serves 1,100 students in grades 9-12 in its current location at 1800 Frederica St, where the school has been located since 1924.

SACS CASI, an accrediting division for AdvancED, assists schools and school systems through the accreditation process and helps those institutions demonstrate a continuous commitment to providing quality education programs that are aimed at improving student performance. To earn accreditation, schools must meet AdvancED’s high standards, be evaluated by a team of professionals from outside the school, and implement a continuous process of school improvement.

“We are proud of our tradition of accreditation,” said Owensboro High School principal Anita Burnette. “It demonstrates to parents and our community that we are dedicated to providing students with a quality education and that we are open to external scrutiny. It assures them that we are focused on improving learning for all students.”

Dr. Mark Elgart, President/CEO of AdvancED, the parent organization of SACS CASI, commended the school for its achievement. “Achieving 100 years of continuous accreditation is an exceptional accomplishment. The staff and school community at Owensboro High School deserve our highest praise for their ongoing pursuit of quality and excellence.”

Parents and interested community members can learn more about accreditation at www.advanc-ed.org.